KRC Genk forward Christopher Bonsu Baah has opened up on the difficulties he faced adjusting to life in Europe earlier in his career.
The exciting Ghanaian winger delved deeper into his football journey, throwing light on his trail experiences, the difficulties he had to endure and acclimatizing to the system in Europe that helped him greatly.
“At the age of 14, I was allowed to go to an academy, the Shooting Stars, in Accra, and two years later, an agent brought me to Spain."
He padded his trials at notable clubs, saying; "I was allowed to trial everywhere: at Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Manchester United… But because I was not yet 18, I couldn’t get a professional contract. It’s good that I have a lot of patience,” he told De Zondag.
“I couldn't even attend my mother's funeral. Because it was two long, lonely years, I cried every day for those two years, I felt so lonely. But I persevered, and had confidence in my talents. But in December of last year my mother, only 50 years old and my great supporter, also died. She accompanied me everywhere. By the way, she also played football, so I must have gotten my talents from her. (quietly) Before every match I pray for her. I couldn't even be at her funeral, can you imagine how much that hurt?
"By the way, I still haven't been back to Ghana. (delighted) After the last match on the second Christmas, I can finally go back to my country. I finally get to see my father, brother and sisters again. We have contact almost every day via Facetime, but it is not the same. I also send them as much money as possible. I hope they can come and have a look here one day.”
Baah, 18, went on to discuss what he felt was the turning point in his career after Genk coughed out €5.2 million fee to secure his services from Norwegian top club Sarpsborg 08.
“Again: the best decision of my life. Although it rains a lot here (Belgium), doesn't it? (laughs) But at least it's not as cold as in Norway. (enthusiastic) And I have been received so well and warmly by everyone here. At Sarpsborg everything was much more distant, cooler, and the fact that I can now also play here is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life."
Baah has already been in the starting XI for about half of the matches for Genk, and last Thursday in Fiorentina he immediately provided an assist as a substitute. “I got a lot of confidence from the first day from the coach, who also talks to me a lot. Then he says: show what you can! (laughs).” And that is not little. Excellent passing, dribbles in and out, good left and right foot
“But I can do much better. My stats are a work point. Only one goal and not a single assist in the competition, that is too little. But that will come. The level of training and matches here is also significantly higher than in Norway. I watch all my matches extensively afterwards to learn from my mistakes. I live alone – it's still too early for a girl (laughs) – I focus entirely on football."
Making his dream come true. Dreaming is allowed. From the Africa Cup? From the Premier League? Leon Bailey! Or no, Doku, another great dribbler! He suddenly looks serious. “I'm going to do everything I can. I admire Doku very much. But maybe it's not right to compare me with other players. Above all, I want to remain Bonsu Baah.”
Though several clubs from across England, including Everton, Brighton (who initially wanted to hijack his move from Sarpsborg) and other European side's have made enquiries about Bonsu Baah's transfer situation, it's unclear if Manchester United will firm up an interest in the 18-year-old in the near future.
By: Pascal Amoah
